asthma inhaler

asthma inhaler spacer

Read and learn more about asthma inhaler spacer. For more, visit the Asthma website MrAsthma.com

Q: how can i buy an ellipse compact spacer for my asthma inhaler?

A: Pretty simple. Ask your pharmacist. Your insurance might pay for it, so you should ask for a prescription for one from your doctor.

Q: I had asthma and used a spacer inhaler like 10 years ago – now I’m 18 and I feel odd symptoms that…?
Can still occur even throughout the last few years or so, can’t remember before that..

Do I still have asthma or comes back during certain times?
I had this as a kid and I used to take spacer inhalers which seemed to work a treat.

I’m having my second asthma test soon a spymotery versionn or however it’s spelt – the one with a machine.

The first one came down to me having a seemingly low lung capicty but she doesn’t know if the technique was perfect.

I have had flu or something recently and I’m quite chesty when I cough it hurts and I get chest pains.

I sometimes find my chest hurts if I move from certain positions and If I’m in a hot shower I need to step out sometimes cos the heat makes me feel suffocated – same if I have to walk far – certain weathers effect it – the tightness is annoying.

I wouldn’t dare run far either and I’m not too keen on stairs especially if I’m hot or cold.

But this happened before the flu started.

My voice has sounded weird from this annoying flu cough as an addition.

If I have had this condition before it is likley it can occur again due to certain environments?
The doctor was going to give me an inhaler but another doctor said wait till the machine test

what does it sound like is happening here?

I’m annoyed that if I get the test I won’t be exposed to anything that could bring it on therefore they might think I’m kidding. or if it happens to come up as “good capicity.”

This isn’t mental related because this happens even when I’m happy/good mood.

But On the occasion I have been breathless just putting clothes on – like I hate doing physical activity sometimes cos I know it’s gunna make my chest tight

A: When you have the spyrometry test – i had one and hated it – even if it comes back that you have normal lung capacity etc mention again that there are certain triggers that cause it. List a few, say which ones affect you most and the feelings you get etc. it sounds like you do need an inhaler or some kind of treatment – certain environments can trigger attacks e.g going from a cold to hot place or vice versa, dusty room/environment , being around aerosol spray etc. Hopefully the test will show up what is wrong and you will get the help you need.
Good luck

Q: when and why is an inhaler and spacer used rather than a nebulizer for acute asthma attacks?
when administering the bronchodilator therapy to a child

A: a spacer nd inhaler are usually more effective than a nebuliser as more medication is getting were it is needed nebulisers are not usually used unless respiratory distress is severe enough iv got a two and a half year old and even a+e very rarely use a nebuliser unless the asthma symptoms haven’t improved after this measure been try ed they even use this measure in adults as i have asthma nd i rarely get nebulised in a acute asthma attack often the blue inhaler and spacer is enough and you can give your child up to 6 puffs through a spacer if required and 10 puffs every 4hrs for the 1st 24hrs this is often effective but don’t be afraid to get med help if your child doesn’t pick up with the above help

Q: Asthma inhaler question?
I have exercise induced asthma. I have an inhaler (Proventil) and a spacer for it to use if I do strenuous exercise of any kind. I hardly ever get myself to the point of not being able to breathe, but when I do and use this, or any other inhaler I’ve tried, I get really shaky and feel weird for 2 or 3 hours. My hands shake and I feel tired and weak. What would be the reason for this and what could I do for it not to happen, or shorten the side effect feeling? Thanks!

A: A spacer doubles drug deposition in your lungs. Therefore, if you took two inhalations with a spacer it’s like four inhalations with just the inhaler. Not using the spacer might help, or just give yourself one inhalation instead of two with the spacer.

I recommend that you talk to your doctor about this. There is a drug called Xopenex (Levalbuterol Tartarate) that is stronger than Proventil (which is generically Albuterol or Salbutamol) and has fewer side effects. It is more expensive though.

When my asthma gets bad, I have had to take up to six inhalations of Salbutamol (the same drug as you are using) in an hour sometimes. I shake, am nervous, and my heart rate goes into the 140’s for a hour or two. It wasn’t fun. I know were you are coming from. Four inhalations can make me shaky too. I use an inhaler without spacer. If I had a spacer, I would only use one inhalation compared to two without a spacer. What I think is happening is that your spacer is working great, so you get the effect of four inhalations from two. You should see if you can adjust your dose or change to Xopenex to reduce the incidence of side effects.

Q: Do I need to use spacer for inhaler?
I have to get an inhaler for excercise induced asthma and my doctor gave me a vortex inhaler too. I have used it before and it is way to much to carry around when I run. DO I have to use this? The doctor said to but what is it for anyway?

A: Spacers are generally used to make sure people are using the inhaler correctly. They aren’t necessary per se… but sometimes when people don’t use the spacer the medicine from the inhaler lands in their mouth and throat rather than going down into their lungs where it works.

Q: To treat asthma, is it better a plastic spacer or metal one?
My child takes Pulmicort inhaler daily with a spacer made of metal, but the GP said they are not longer available and replaced it with a plastic one. Can I continue using the metal spacer or is better to replace it for the plastic one? which of the two is better?

A: It doesn’t really matter. If you think one is cleaner, go with the cleaner one.

There has even been a study of a commercially available spacer versus a spacer made out of a 20 oz Soft Drink Bottle with a hole cut-out at the bottom. The result of that study was no difference in peak flow change between the store-bought versus the improvised Soft Drink Bottle Spacer. I’d like to cite the study, but I think it’s been more than 10 years.

The only advantage the store-bought spacer had is it had a little harmonica which would make noise if you sucked in too fast. When you inhale too quickly, the medication cannot change direction fast enough and slams to the back of your throat. This in-turn reduces the amount of medication that actually makes it to the blood-stream. So please, exhale fully… then take a SLOW deep breath.

With MDI’s, technique is everything.

Wikipedia has good “general” information listed under “Metered Dose Inhaler” and “Asthma Spacer”. If not, try a Google Search.

Q: Asthma Inhaler… How to use… ?
My doctor now tells me that you don’t touch the inhaler to your mouth unless you have a spacer. Is this the new way?
She said to hold it an inch or two from you mouth.
I doubt that she’s a quack…………

Medical school
UC Los Angeles Medical Center
Los Angeles, CA

Board certification
Allergy and Immunology
American Board of Allergy and Immunology

Internal Medicine
American Board of Internal Medicine

A: I think there IS a new way. Here are 2 websites that are recommending it.

Most people put the mouthpiece of the inhaler directly into their mouths. However, many health care professionals now recommend placing the inhaler an inch or two away from the mouth.

http://asthma.emedtv.com/albuterol-inhaler/albuterol-inhaler.html

How to use an inhaler
1 Take off the cap and shake the inhaler hard.
2 Breathe out, gently, to empty the lungs as much as possible.
3 Hold the inhaler 1 – 2 inches in front of your mouth (about the width of 2 fingers).
4 Start breathing in slowly through your mouth, and then press down on the inhaler once. (If you use a spacer, first press down on the inhaler. Within 5 seconds, begin to breathe in slowly.)
5 Keep breathing in slowly, as deeply as you can.
6 Hold your breath as you count to 10 slowly, if you can
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/002210.htm
.

Q: Help with childs asthma?
My son is 4, and has asthma. He was diagnosed right around his 2nd birthday. He takes pulmicort once a day, and has an albuterol inhaler/spacer, and also the albuterol for his nebulizer. In the fall it gets very very bad. Last fall he was hospitalized 3 times, and one of those times was actually taken by ambulance to trauma because it was so bad. They have changed his medicines around many times, and this seems to be working decently well, but he still has an “attack” about twice a week. It isnt related to exercise. No one smokes, no pets, clean house, etc. Problem is, its comin back to fall, and i am so nervous it is going to get really bad again. I am looking for any other tips to help him, other than the common stuff. I dont want to keep him inside all fall, but i dont want to go through what we went through last yr either. Thanks!

A: You should attempt to find out what your sons “triggers” are…..i am a resp. therapist at Childrens Hospital of Philadelphia and my biggest thing i try to discuss with families is the triggers….once you figure that out you can attempt to avoid it, or live with it in a better way. Such as dust mites, cochroaches, chemical irritants, ect…even if you dont THINK you have them in your house you still may. Try to keep a log of what your son was doing (activities, foods, meds, weather, ect…)previous to his flare ups and see if there is anything that seems to the key connection in them all. Does you son have allergies too? If he has not been tested yet check that, maybe he needs allergy shots or meds he takes everyday. Also talk to your doctor about maybe upping the dose of your childs pulmicort, he should be getting 0.5mg twice a day, like 8am and 8pm. If your son continues to have issues try to find a doctor that is an asthma/allergy specialist.

Good luck, i wish you all the best and an asthma free year!

Q: 23 month old with asthma?
My son is almost 2.Has had asthma since birth.First year of his lfe was real bad for him.Several admissions to the hospital with all types of lung infections.This past year has been better but still alot of colds flaring up his asthma.He is on albuterol inhaler with a spacer for emergency medicine.Probaly will end up at doctors in the morning or ER tonight if he worsens.He needs his steroids and probaly antibiotics.Does anyone know if he can take anything other then his tylenol and albuterol tonight?Last I knew he could not but my friends doc put her girl on robentussin and she is 3 with asthma.Also I`ve heard from alot including doctors to let him go in steam filled bathroom to loosen the flem.I read on the internet not to allow a child with asthma to breath in steam.Anyone know which it is?

A: Steam is not a good idea for a full blown asthma attack. Your airways are already full of secretions and do not need to be further hydrated and become more of a problem. Racemic Epinepherine is always a medication that helps out. I tend to suggest it more often than Albuterol. Also, keep asthma triggers to a minimum when the child is around. Smoking, pet dander, excessive dust, etc. Good luck with everything and keep giving the medications as perscribed by the physician. Even if he does not show signs of an attack, always give the meds as ordered…especially any steroids.

Q: asthma help?? Had it before?
I had this as a kid and I used to take spacer inhalers which seemed to work a treat.

I’m having my second asthma test soon a spymotery versionn or however it’s spelt – the one with a machine.

The first one came down to me having a seemingly low lung capicty but she doesn’t know if the technique was perfect.

I have had flu or something recently and I’m quite chesty when I cough it hurts and I get chest pains.

I wouldn’t dare run far either and I’m not too keen on stairs especially if I’m hot or cold.

But this happened before the flu started.

My voice has sounded weird from this annoying flu cough as an addition.

If I have had this condition before it is likley it can occur again due to certain environments?
The doctor was going to give me an inhaler but another doctor said wait till the machine test

what does it sound like is happening here?

A: You need to visit your family physician so he/she may refer you to some specialists. Since a lot is happening here.

Good Health To You!

Q: Really need help with this asthma issue?
Do I still have asthma or comes back during certain times?
I had this as a kid and I used to take spacer inhalers which seemed to work a treat.

I’m having my second asthma test soon a spymotery versionn or however it’s spelt – the one with a machine.

The first one came down to me having a seemingly low lung capicty but she doesn’t know if the technique was perfect.

I have had flu or something recently and I’m quite chesty when I cough it hurts and I get chest pains.

I wouldn’t dare run far either and I’m not too keen on stairs especially if I’m hot or cold.

But this happened before the flu started.

My voice has sounded weird from this annoying flu cough as an addition.

If I have had this condition before it is likley it can occur again due to certain environments?
The doctor was going to give me an inhaler but another doctor said wait till the machine test

what does it sound like is happening here?

I’m annoyed that if I get the test I won’t be exposed to anything that could bring it on therefore they might think I’m kidding.

But On the occasion I have been breathless just putting clothes on – like I hate doing physical activity sometimes cos I know it’s gunna make my chest tight

A: my brother has it too. its really bad when he gets sick. he has this machine you get from a doctor or a hospital (u buy it). and hes suppost to do when hes sick or starts coughing. its whater med that you put into the machine then you are suppost to breathe the smoke from it. it really helps him….b4 he had that he used to put hot shower o it the bathroom and breath the hot air. the doctor told him to do that. what my brother has isnt asthma either.

Q: Do I still have asthma or comes back during certain times?
I had this as a kid and I used to take spacer inhalers which seemed to work a treat.

I’m having my second asthma test soon a spymotery versionn or however it’s spelt – the one with a machine.

The first one came down to me having a seemingly low lung capicty but she doesn’t know if the technique was perfect.

I have had flu or something recently and I’m quite chesty when I cough it hurts and I get chest pains.

I wouldn’t dare run far either and I’m not too keen on stairs especially if I’m hot or cold.

But this happened before the flu started.

My voice has sounded weird from this annoying flu cough as an addition.

If I have had this condition before it is likley it can occur again due to certain environments?
The doctor was going to give me an inhaler but another doctor said wait till the machine test

what does it sound like is happening here?

I’m annoyed that if I get the test I won’t be exposed to anything that could bring it on therefore they might think I’m kidding.

But On the occasion I have been breathless just putting clothes on – like I hate doing physical activity sometimes cos I know it’s gunna make my chest tight

A: There’s no cure but only preventions for asthma. If the condition be chronic then it may last a lifetime. The goal of asthma treatment is to keep a patient as symptom-free as possible. This includes being able to engage in normal activities, keeping the use of rescue medications down (less than 2 days per week), and reducing episodes of worsening asthma. This goal can be reach by most people with asthma.

There are three main things that can be done to treat asthma:

-Avoiding triggers

-Use “preventer,” also called “controller” medications such as corticosteroids (e.g., beclomethasone*, budesonide, ciclesonide, or fluticasone), leukotriene receptor antagonists (e.g., montelukast or zafirlukast),or mast cell stabilizers (e.g., sodium cromoglycate)

-Alleviate symptoms using “reliever” or “rescue” medications such as bronchodilators (e.g., salbutamol, formoterol, terbutaline, or ipratropium)

People with asthma symptoms often need treatment that provides immediate relief. Bronchodilators (e.g., salbutamol, formoterol, or terbutaline) work quickly to relax the muscles around the airways and allow you to breathe more easily. These are reliever medications that treat the symptoms but not the underlying cause. If you are using relievers two days a week or more (not including before exercise), talk to your doctor or health care professional. You may need some changes in your medications.

Asthma itself is difficult to prevent, but a lot can be done to reduce or eliminate your asthma symptoms.

If your doctor has given you a preventive medication to use every day, follow the instructions carefully. If you use it as suggested, it should control the swelling in your airways and reduce your asthma symptoms over the long term.

Last but not the least, keeping a diary of your asthma symptoms is also an important way to monitor your asthma control.

Good Health To You!

Q: My cat is 11 mos. old and has asthma. She was treated for the first time about 3 mos. ago @ vet’s office.
Had another episode today & I now have the AeroKat inhaler/spacer. Tried to administer it today & she “Freaked out.” If anyone has tried this on their cat, how in the world can it be done! Gave her prednisone pill but needs the inhaler & can’t keep paying vet bill. Help!!

A: Go back to the vet and ask how they would recommend doing it. You will probably need a second person to help hold the kitty while you use the inhaler. Get her used to it and she won’t freak out as much. Good luck!

Q: How can I help my girlfriend when she’s having a bad asthma attack?
my girlfriend usually has really bad asthma attacks during the middle of the night (usually between the hours of 1am-4am) when we’re both asleep. she wakes up coughing and complaining of chest tightness and has difficulty breathing which gets worse within minutes. sometimes once her asthma seems to be getting better, it starts up again even worse than it was before. usually i help her with her inhaler and spacer and get her tea, but is there anything else that i can do? should she be lying down instead of sitting up? would it help if i massaged her chest or neck and shoulder area? should i take off her bra? does anyone know if vapor rub helps?

does anyone know if it’s normal for her asthma attacks to get a little better, then get much worse within a few minutes?

please let me know of anything at all that i can do to help her while she’s having these attacks. it’s hard for me to see her struggling to breathe when there isn’t anything i feel i can do to help.

A: If this is a common occurrence, your girlfriend should go to her doctor and get some maintenance meds such as advair. This would help the attack from even starting to begin with.

As for your questions.
Most importantly stay calm!
She should be sitting up if she gets an attack. If she is unsteady help her out with the inhaler and spacer. You can massage her if you want, but it won’t help the attack. Take the bra off (who sleeps in a bra?!), it might feel kind of like it’s constricting her breathing even more.
No vapor rub, it can actually worsen the attack.

Q: How can I help my girlfriend when she’s having an asthma attack?
my girlfriend usually has really bad asthma attacks during the middle of the night (usually between the hours of 1am-4am) when we’re both asleep. she wakes up coughing and complaining of chest tightness and has difficulty breathing which gets worse within minutes. sometimes once her asthma seems to be getting better, it starts up again even worse than it was before. usually i help her with her inhaler and spacer and get her tea, but is there anything else that i can do? should she be lying down instead of sitting up? would it help if i massaged her chest or neck and shoulder area? does anyone know if vapor rub helps?

A: When I have an asthma attack, my fiance will get my pump [inhaler], sometimes a cool washrag and then sit behind me wrap his arms around in front of me and massage my chest. Although there are certain attacks when it just makes it worse to have him so close. At those times, he will sit across from me and let me squeeze his hands.

You will have to ask her which she prefers, a massage or space. It may differ with each attack.

She definately needs to be sitting up. I use vapor rub every night, it helps me breathe better. Although during an attack, the vapor rub will not do anything to help or hurt. Sleeping with a humudifier in the room will help with night-time asthma attacks.

Also, what medication is she on, besides an emergency inhaler? My doctor has me on Singulair [a pill] and an Asmanex Inhaler that is used once right before bed.

She may also want to talk to her doctor about all this, those are some serious asthma symptoms! Her doctor may put her on a breathing machine at night, which will hlep with nightly attacks!

Good luck to you and your girlfriend!

Asthma Questions

grandmagonline.com

asthma inhaler

asthma inhaler spacer

Related Posts

Write a comment